The Advising Interview
What can I do to help you fulfill your needs? Preparing for Advising Meetings
Before the meeting:
- Post and keep regular office hours;
- Increase office hours during peak scheduling times;
- Know how to access the faculty (FIS) and student (SIS) information systems on the web;
- Have available copies of this manual, the Guidebook for Advising Undergraduate Students, the catalog, program planning sheets, and the student's records (grade point average, curriculum sheet, placement test scores, advising notes); and
- Review current and any new policies and procedures.
The First Meeting
The first advising meeting with students is very important because it sets the tone of the entire relationship. Ask the student open-ended questions. Work to establish rapport and try to get your advisee to talk with you. Try to meet your advisees when you have time to get to know them, long before scheduling. If you establish a relationship early, your advisees will feel more comfortable contacting you whenever they have concerns.
Questions to ask:
- How are things going?
- Why did you choose to come to Shippensburg?
- Why did you choose (your major)?
- Are there special situations that we need to consider in planning your educational program? For example, do you have a job? Are you responsible for your family? Do you have a disability? Do you have military obligations?
- How can I, as your advisor, help you the most? (SU policies, scheduling, career guidance, problems, information).
- Where are you living?
- What are some things that have made you think about your major?
- What do you hope eventually to do with your life?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- How do you assess your situation?
- What are your goals/interests?
- Are you satisfied with your major/courses?
- What, if anything, worries you about your college career? Do you have concerns about adjusting to the University?
Ending Advising Meetings
Have an effective closing to every meeting.
- Is this the type of information you wanted?
- Have I answered your questions?
- What haven't we covered yet?
- Do you think we have done all we can today?
- Let's make another appointment so we can discuss this further.
After an Advising Meeting
- Write advising notes.
- Follow up on any promised action.
Group Meetings
Advisors may occasionally choose to meet with their advisees in groups. This never can replace individual meetings, but it can serve as a way to share general information common to all students. The beginning of the semester and before scheduling are good times for group meetings.
Some suggestions for group meetings are included in the appendix.
Adapted in part from:
_____ (1997). Academic Advising Staff (Eds.) A Guide for Advisors: Advising Handbook. George Mason University, (pp. 8-9). Fairfax, VA.
